The government has no plan to privatise state owned mobile operator Teletalk, as it considers the company essential for maintaining competition in the country's telecommunications market, Post and Telecommunication, ICT Division and Science and Technology Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam told Parliament on Sunday.
Replying to a supplementary question from BNP reserved seat MP Sanzida Yasmin during the question and answer session, the Minister said Teletalk must remain under government ownership to prevent private operators from arbitrarily increasing service charges.
"If Teletalk is not in the market, private operators may raise tariffs as they wish. We have to keep Teletalk in the market. It has to remain under government control," he said.
The Minister said Bangladesh currently has four mobile operators: Teletalk, Grameenphone, Robi and Banglalink.
He said Teletalk requires additional mobile towers to improve its network coverage and service quality, adding that the government is seeking funding for the expansion. Efforts are also underway to secure financing from foreign sources.
Responding to a question from reserved seat MP Nadia Pathan Papon, the Minister said the government shares public concern over the expiry of unused mobile data after seven day or 15 day packages.
He said the issue had been discussed several times with the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) and mobile operators, but the companies cited their business policies in defence of the current practice.
The Minister also said discussions had been held with operators over call drops, adding that pressure on them would continue to protect consumers' interests.
Answering a question from Jashore 6 MP Md Mukhtar Ali, Faqir Mahbub Anam said broadband internet connectivity is being expanded across the country under the Digital Connectivity Establishment Project.
He said work is underway to provide 109,004 broadband internet connections nationwide, while internet services have already been installed at 57,000 institutions, including colleges affiliated with the National University, secondary and higher secondary schools, government primary schools, madrasas, technical education institutions, community clinics, land offices and district courts.
The Minister also said the government plans to introduce expatriate help desks at Digital Centres to assist overseas Bangladeshis and facilitate remittance services.
Responding to a question from Sherpur 1 MP Rashedul Islam Rashed, he said authorities would coordinate with Teletalk and other operators to improve network coverage in areas suffering from poor mobile connectivity if specific locations are identified.
Sylhet 5 MP Abul Hasan drew attention to weak mobile network coverage in the border areas of Zakiganj and Kanaighat, where many residents reportedly rely on neighbouring countries' networks.
The Minister said the government would discuss the matter with operators and seek to install additional towers once detailed information on the affected locations is received.
Replying to a question from reserved seat MP Sabikun Nahar, the Minister said allegations that BTRC officials received separate honorariums by classifying the preparation of the National Telecommunication Policy as a research project would be investigated.
He said he was unaware of the amount mentioned by the lawmaker but assured Parliament that the allegation would be examined and details provided later.
In response to a supplementary question from Lakshmipur 1 MP Md Shahadat Hossain Selim, the Minister acknowledged that many post offices across the country are in a dilapidated condition.
He said Bangladesh has more than 9,000 post offices, most of which require renovation, but added that they are being repaired gradually as it is not possible to renovate all of them at once.
Answering a question from Patuakhali 2 MP Shafiqul Islam on measures to curb pornography addiction among young people, the Minister highlighted government initiatives to engage youths in artificial intelligence, freelancing and internet based employment.
He said training facilities are being established at the upazila level to develop skills and promote self employment, with programmes already launched in some upazilas and to be expanded nationwide in phases. However, he did not outline any specific measures regarding blocking or regulating pornography websites.
Replying to a question from Naogaon 5 MP Zahidul Islam Dhalu, the Minister said technology neutral licences have already been issued to operators to facilitate nationwide expansion of 5G services.
He said spectrum in the 2.3 GHz and 2.6 GHz bands has already been allocated, while new spectrum in the 3.5 GHz band will be released in 2027.
Responding to Chandpur 4 MP Abdul Hannan, the Minister said the ICT Division plans to train one million people over the next five years to develop freelancers across the country.
He added that identity cards will also be issued to 200,000 freelancers.